Stephen's Quest for a Better Hospital
Brigham & Women’s 600k SF, $500M Building for the Future--the largest healthcare project being built here—soon moves from site prep to construction. Director of planning and construction Stephen Dempsey explains to Bisnow why this facility is so critical.
Co-locating researchers and clinicians means quickly translating scientific discoveries into new treatments for neurological, muscular, and skeletal problems such as Alzheimer’s or MS, says Steve. Physicians constantly tell him that if they were closer to research colleagues they could share more info that could enhance patient outcomes. The opening of the new building (mid-’16) also coincides with the expiration of 200k SF of leases on wet labs scattered around the LMA. Over 10 years, the hospital can avoid about $200M in rental expenses; nearly half the cost of the new building. (Addition by subtraction. You don't have to be a brain surgeon to get that one...even if some of them are brain surgeons.)
B&W will have a building large enough to “right size” its operations. Exam rooms of 110 SF, as opposed to the current 90 SF is “a big deal for us,” Steve says. Dry labs-- where researchers are on computers—will be next to wet labs—think Bunsen burners and benches (the kind of labs students in high school long to prank). It’s more efficient for the researchers and for operating the building. A state-of-the-art infusion area will provide one place for conducting this now popular type of treatment.
The development team, including NBBJ and Suffolk Construction, is completing the permanent foundation, installing bracing and nearing the bottom of the underground garage that will have 400 spaces, another major improvement in the dense Longwood Medical Area. During Q1, Steve expects to receive the building permit and start the structural construction. B&W has a 95-year ground lease with the state on the 3.7-acre site at Fernwood Rd and Vining St on the southern outskirts of the LMA. It shares the site with the Roxbury Tenants of Harvard that’s developing a 145-unit market rate and affordable multifamily development.
